Vodaphone and Telephonica plan to erect a 40ft phone mast in Park Road, near to the allotments, riding stables, Barnfield Community Centre and the pre-school nursery at Forward House. This pole will be visable across a wide area, but more importantly it raises some concerns about health risks.

It is currently against the law in England to site a mast like this within 300m of a school. So is it OK to have one this close, or closer, to your home? Many people think not, and even if you're not one of them, there is a risk that it may become a factor when you eventually want to sell. As these risks can't yet be proven, we aren't able to object on those grounds. However, these other factors can and should be taken into account.

• The height of proposed mast. It is much taller than the surrounding garages and houses and would be prominent across a wide area.
• The height and siting of the mast and cabinets would be highly visually intrusive and would greatly detract from the character of the immediate and wider residential area. (contrary to Kingston Core Strategy policy DM10).
• The scale and utilitarian appearance of the mast and cabinets would detract from the suburban character of the area and would be inappropriate contrary to policy CS8.
• The attractive residential character of the wider area would not be maintained, contrary to Policy KT1.
• The cabinets could affect adjacent trees that contribute to the green character and visual amenity of the locality and could harm their amenity value contrary to policy DM10.
• Inadequate pre-application consultation has been undertaken on the proposals- only a handful of residents have received the letter.
• Alternative locations further from residential houses - it is very close to houses in Woodcote Close & Park Road.
• It will have a negative effect on people’s views of Richmond Park.
• The equipment would impact badly on the local bat colony, which are a protected species.
• It could be the thin end of the wedge for more masts in this residential area.
• The ridign stablles, Barnfield Centre and Forward House all run regular children's activities and should therefore not be within 300m of the mast site.

Are your neighbours aware of this issue? Please tell as many local residents as you can, and ask them to sign this petition too. Anyone who lives locally or uses the allotments, stables, community centre or childcare facilities at Forward House, needs to know. We have to act quickly to stop this going ahead and will only be successful if we all act together.